Ishan Kishan made a powerful statement with a blistering 134 off 78 balls in the Vijay Hazare Trophy on Monday, leading Jharkhand to a comfortable victory over Manipur. Chasing a target of 254, Kishan came out with all guns blazing, smashing 16 fours and six sixes, and achieving a remarkable strike rate of 171.79. His partnership with Utkarsh Singh, who scored 68, was instrumental in a 196-run stand, putting Jharkhand in a commanding position. Kishan’s dismissal came when they needed just a few more runs to secure the win, finishing with a total of 255/2 and their second consecutive victory.

This stunning knock adds to Kishan’s impressive record, bringing his total to 3,643 runs in 106 List-A matches, with an average above 38 and a strike rate of over 94. In the Vijay Hazare Trophy alone, he has scored 1,493 runs at an average of 36.41, with three centuries and six fifties.
Kishan’s century marks a significant moment in his career, especially as he aims to make a comeback to the Indian team. His last appearance for India was during the 2023 World Cup, where he replaced Shubman Gill. With excellent international numbers—933 runs in 27 ODIs at an average of 42.40 and a strike rate of 102.19—Kishan’s recent performances in domestic cricket, including centuries in various tournaments, have sent a strong message to selectors. He is back in form and ready to earn a spot in the national team once again.

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